Brenden Benson, "One Mississippi," Virgin. This album, along with Bang The Earth is Round by the Sugarplastic, was my top pick for 1996. Benson presents emotionally-charged, rockin' pop music with genuinely disturbed lyrics that sounds not unlike Jason Falkner's best work. The Falkner comparison is justified by Jason's production and guest appearance on much of the album. But make no mistake, Benson is a pop genius all on his own. The first half of this album contains some of the finest pop moments of the decade. The CD begins with the pleasant sounds of Tea, which segues into the stop, start attack of Bird's Eye View. The flow continues into track three, the truly disturbed Sittin' Pretty. It's strange to find yourself singing along to a sweet melody when the lyrics describe Benson's girlfriend tied to a chair. The track that follows, I'm Blessed, is an autobiographical look at Benson's insanity and how he feels truly blessed to possess it. Hands down, the best pop song of 1996. Other highlights include Me Just Purely and How About You. Rarely to pop lyrics have such an impact as they do on this album. And it's often the words that give these songs a unique feel that's all Brenden's own. The album is best compared to Jason Falkner's finer moments: a mix of power pop styles from the 70s, 80s and 90s with its own distinctive stamp. The album really rocks most of the time but never abandons the art of excellent and transcendant melody.
The Black Crowes, "Three Snakes and One Charm," American.
The Cardigans, "First Band on The Moon," Reprise.
The Cardigans, "Life," Minty Fresh.
Sheryl Crow, "Sheryl Crow," A&M. Crow received a lot of good press for this album and rightfully so. It's a quantum leap ahead of her debut and has a feel all its own. Rolling Stone even named it as one of the essential albums of the 1990s. The album has a distinctive feel, something like a meld of rock, blues and country with a southern influence. The production is interesting, with a mix of countrified rock guitar sounds, various percussion and a wash of reverb. The CD has a muddy, ethereal feel, through which the melodies shine and create an immediate and intense atmosphere. So why does it work well for me? 'Sheryl Crow' is packed with memorable hooks and melodies that ultimately make the songs so rewarding. Unlike albums that are long on style and short on melodic substance, this CD features strong and memorable songwriting in a unique setting. She picked the right songs for the album's singles, 'Every Day Is A Winding Road,' and 'If It Makes You Happy' are great pop tunes. Some of the albums finer moments include the mesmerising opening track 'Maybe Angels,' and two odes to tortured females 'Sweet Rosalyn' and 'Oh Marie.'
Jason Falkner, "Presents Author Unknown," Elecktra.
Fountains of Wayne, "Fountains of Wayne," Atlantic.
The High Llamas, "Hawaii," Alpeca Park.
Imperial Drag, "Imperial Drag," WORK/Sony.
The Lemonheads, "Car, Button, Cloth," Atlantic.
Love Nut, "Bastards of Melody," Interscope.
Doug Powell, "The Ballad of the Tin Men," Mercury.
Sugarplastic, "Bang! The Earth is Round," DGC.
Superdrag, "Regretfully Yours," Elektra.
Paul Westerberg, "Eventually," Reprise.